Post Cruise Rome’s Enchanting Countryside Tour

Introduction

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Rome’s countryside is dotted with remarkable historic towns, enchanting hamlets, medieval fortresses, lakeside castles, and archaeological sites dating from the Etruscan era, and are part of Italy’s rich and fascinating heritage.

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This popular Post Cruise tour is the answer to the often asked question: what is there to do Post Cruise outside of Rome?

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On this Post Cruise Enchanting Roman Countryside Tour with Rome Chauffeur, you will have the opportunity to experience three of Italy’s most fascinating historical eras: Visit the renowned Renaissance Odescalchi Castle (Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Italian) that overlooks the volcanic Lake Bracciano, enjoy an authentic Italian lunch inside the Medieval hilltop hamlet of Ceri, and have an adventurous afternoon exploring ancient Etruscan tombs inside the unique Banditaccia Necropolis in Cerveteri.

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Your Post Cruise Rome’s Enchanting Countryside Tour will begin at 8:00 AM when you meet your English speaking Rome Chauffeur on the pier next to your ship in Civitavecchia, and your tour will complete with your arrival at your hotel accommodation in Rome at approximately 5:00 PM..

Tour Itinerary

Tour Info

Duration: Departure from:

Tour Description

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Your Post Cruise Rome’s Enchanting Countryside Tour begins a relaxing drive through the rustic Roman countryside to the small town of Bracciano, famous for its volcanic lake and formidable castle.

Overlooking the pristine Lake Bracciano is the imposing castle, also referred to as Bracciano Castle, Odescalchi Castle or by it’s official name Castello Orsini-Odescalchi.

A glimpse of this massive Renaissance military fortress will transport you to distant eras of feudal lords, noble families, Kings, princes, and dukes.

Bracciano Castle has remained the private property of Prince Livio Odescalchi, and the interior of the castle has become a historical museum open to the public to visit.

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You have the opportunity to tour the splendid rooms throughout the castle fit for Kings and Popes, with the 6 centuries worth of artwork, furnishings, weapons, books and manuscripts, providing an authentic glimpse into the private quarters and lives of some of Italy’s most powerful historical figures and the lives they lived in the past.

From Bracciano your countryside journey continues until you reach a hidden gem that seems to appear out of nowhere: the medieval hamlet of Ceri (Borgo di Ceri in Italian) rising out of a steep rock formation.

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Due to the defensive protection provided by this small fortified plateau, Ceri has been inhabited since the time of the ancient Etruscans and Romans who once ruled these lands. Its original name “Caere Novum” was shortened to Ceri.

Frozen in time to when Ceri was founded in early 1200’s, this authentic medieval fortress invites you to experience its old fashioned charm and enchant you with an atmosphere that evokes eras of fairytales.

While in Ceri, you can visit the small Romanesque Church of the Madonna of Ceri that was built above an Etruscan temple dedicated to the pagan goddess Vesta. The church’s interior walls are decorated with faded but stunning frescoes from the 1100’s.

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The family owned restaurants in Ceri are among the most sought after by local Italians who flock here for its delicious cuisine made with fresh local and in season ingredients that create some of the tastiest dishes in this region.

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After lunch and visit in Ceri, your tour continues your next adventure where you will explore of of Italy’s most fascinating ancient sites: the Banditaccia Necropolis in Cerveteri where across the span of several centuries, the ancient Etruscans expanded their extraordinary necropolis (city of the dead).

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At its height during 600 BC, Cerverteri was one of the most powerful city state of the Etruscan League by the name of Caere Vetus. Today, Cerveteri is well known for its large necropolis that has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of the near 1,000 acres that the necropolis covers, about 25 acres have been excavated with about 1,000 tombs open to visitors, making it the largest necropolis in the Mediterranean region.
Spanning 6 centuries of the Etruscan civilization, the Banditaccia necropolis offers the unique opportunity to personally witness the advancement of this ancient civilization through the evolution of its tombs starting from 9th century BC simple stone pits or potholes where the ashes were housed, to elaborate 3rd century BC round and cube shaped tombs with intricate interiors, built like city blocks with roads used for processions.

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One of the must see tombs is the Tomb of the Reliefs (Tomba dei Relievi), that dates to 3rd century BC. You will have to climb a flight of stairs to see the interior of this amazing tomb.

Exploring these ancient tombs that thousands of years ago were hand carved into the living tuffa rock, and experiencing this remarkable site sacred to one of Italy’s most significant ancient civilizations is undeniably a profound experience that will leave you yearning to learn more about the mysterious people whom these tombs and land once belonged to.

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After a wonderful day exploring Italy’s important historic eras, you will enjoy a relaxing drive to your hotel accommodation in Rome.

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Thank you very much for booking our Post Cruise Rome's Enchanting Countryside Tour. We look forward to see you soon in Italy!

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Important Information

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What is included in this Post Cruise Rome’s Enchanted Countryside Tour?

What is not included in this Post Cruise Rome’s Enchanted Countryside Tour?

Listed tour price does not include: Entry Tickets, Lunch, Gratuities, Private Tour Guides if hired separately, or any expenses outside of what is included above.

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A valid and complete Hotel or Accommodation address for your final destination is required in order to book this tour.

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Entry Tickets and Guided Tours

Tickets to visit Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano are currently 8.50 Euros per person

Private Tours of the Castle: Odescalchi Castle offers private tours in English with advance reservations at 120 Euros INCLUDING admission tickets.
Availability of English speaking tour guides is limited as they are in high demand, please inform us in advance so we can secure your private guided visit on this tour.

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Entry tickets to Cerveteri Banditaccia Necropolis are currently 10 Euros per person.

You have the option to self tour the necropolis, or book a local licensed tour guide for an informative guided tour of the necropolis. If you are interested in booking private tour guide for Cerveteri Necropolis, please inquire for rates and availability.

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Payment for tour

Payment for this tour is due in Euro currency directly to your chauffeur at the end of the tour. Credit cards are not accepted.

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Your Tour Chauffeur

Tour Chauffeurs are not licensed tour guides, therefore they are forbidden by law to accompany or guide guests to sightsee during the tour. In order to comply with local laws, drivers are required to stay with the vehicle while our guests sightsee.

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This tour includes climbing stairs inside the Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano as well in some tombs in Cerveteri Necropolis. The Necropolis is an archaeological site with uneven terrain. This tour may or may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues.

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Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations must be made at least 7 days in advance via email. Cancellations by phone or by someone other than the party who placed the reservation is not accepted.